This interview originally aired 12 months ago as a 2-part conversation, which have proved to be two of the most popular episodes that I have released so far. Many listeners have asked me to re-release them as one single conversation so that they can listen from start to finish without interruption, so here it is!

Sleep is one of the most undervalued components of our health, yet neglecting it can have devastating consequences. In this episode, I talk to world-leading sleep researcher, author of the international best-selling book ‘Why We Sleep’ and Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology, Matthew Walker. We discuss everything you ever needed to know about sleep. Matthew shares some brilliant tips to combat jet lag, explains how sleep can enhance athletic performance and decrease risk of injury, and reveals just how much caffeine consumption can impact sleep. We explore the reasons behind the current global sleep-loss epidemic and how sleep deprivation can affect every aspect of our health – from our blood sugar levels and our risk of heart attack to our mental health. Finally, we discuss alcohol’s impact on sleep and the staggering financial costs associated with lost sleep. Matthew also shares what he has changed in his own life since starting his research. This is an invaluable conversation – I hope you enjoy it!

Please note: Matthew has agreed to do a follow-up podcast to answer any questions you may still have about sleep. Listen and let me know which questions you would like me to put to Matthew via my closed Facebook group (Dr Chatterjee 4 Pillar Community Tribe), where you can also discuss other podcast episodes and any lifestyle changes that you are trying to make.

Watch the video version of this interview in full below.

Further reading:

• The Lancet – A sleep prescription for medicine
• The Guardian – How to boost your business? Let Workers sleep
• Independent – 14 of the biggest sleep myths debunked
• Tech Insider Sleep tip videos with Matthew Walker
  • 5 Tips For Falling Asleep Quicker
  • How To Tell If You’re Sleep Deprived
  • What Happens To Your Body And Brain If You Don’t Get Sleep
  • How To Take The Ideal Nap And Avoid Bad Sleep
  • What Happens To Your Brain When You Dream
• How Lucid Dreaming Works

Dr Chatterjee’s resources:

• NEW Facebook community group – Dr Chatterjee 4 Pillar Community Tribe
• FB Live with Matthew Walker
• Blog 4 Tips to Help You Sleep
• RCGP accredited Prescribing Lifestyle Medicine course